Ever since the Sabzeruz Festival, when Luo Qing brought Kamisato Ayaka to the Grand Bazaar, he noticed that Ayaka had developed a habit of visiting the Bazaar every few days, claiming she wanted to "spend time with Nilou."
What the two girls were up to, Luo Qing couldn't say.
Ayaka never shared the details, and Luo Qing didn't press her for answers.
Pulling Ayaka into the living room, the two sat side by side on the couch. The dim light cast a soft glow over the quiet room.
Ayaka sat with her legs pressed together, her posture elegant but tense. The rare opportunity to be alone with Luo Qing after their parting in Inazuma left her heart racing with excitement.
Maybe… if I'm careful, I could sneak over to see him again after everyone else falls asleep.
"Luo Qing…"
Ayaka stole a glance at him before speaking softly. "What do you think of Nilou's dancing?"
"It's beautiful," Luo Qing replied. "Why?"
"Mm… nothing. Just curious."
Ayaka shook her head, trying to appear nonchalant, but her mind was already working on a plan to surprise Luo Qing with her own performance after mastering Nilou's style.
"What, are you planning to dance for me?" Luo Qing teased.
"Wha—?!" Ayaka turned bright red, flailing her hands. "N-No! I just… I wasn't thinking about that at all! Don't misunderstand!"
She looked like a panicked rabbit caught off guard, flustered to the point of incoherence.
"…"
Luo Qing held back a laugh. All I did was tease her, and she's already activated her ultimate defense. Cute.
"Say, Ayaka…"
"W-What is it?"
Before she could react, Luo Qing cupped her face gently and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
Ayaka's eyes widened, but soon she melted into the kiss.
As the moment deepened, Luo Qing's arm slid around her waist, gently guiding her to lie back on the couch.
"L-Luo Qing…" Ayaka's cheeks burned as she felt his hand drift lower, nearing the edge of her skirt.
Her trembling hand shot out to grab his, stopping him in his tracks.
"T-That… I'm not ready for that yet…"
Ayaka's voice grew quieter as she turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze. "F-For now… kissing is okay…"
"Alright." Luo Qing chuckled softly, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
He knew well about the Kamisato family's strict traditions, which forbade certain actions before marriage. While Ayaka might not be the type to rigidly follow every rule, he understood her desire for the right timing and setting.
Still, nothing was stopping him from exploring other options.
As the two continued their affectionate exchange, Ayaka's borrowed dancer outfit from Nilou grew increasingly disheveled. She clutched her chest, her fair skin peeking through the gaps in the fabric under the dim light.
The sight was nothing short of breathtaking.
If I just pull a little here… Luo Qing thought mischievously, his fingers brushing the edge of the fabric covering her chest.
"S-Stop!" Ayaka suddenly sat up, holding her chest as she spoke in a flustered voice.
"That's enough for tonight. It's getting late, and I need to head back…"
Ayaka's tone was apologetic but firm. After all, she'd snuck into Sumeru under the pretense of training abroad. Staying out too long would undoubtedly raise her brother's suspicions.
And she'd definitely need to change her outfit before going home.
"Goodnight, Luo Qing!" Ayaka stammered as she darted to the staircase, her footsteps hurried.
"…Such a strong sense of self-preservation," Luo Qing muttered, watching her retreating figure with a sigh.
He could still feel the warmth from their time together, and his body burned with unspent energy. If not for Ayaka's sudden retreat, things might have escalated further.
If this were Makoto or Theresa, they wouldn't have held back at all, Luo Qing mused, shaking his head.
But Ayaka's restraint only made her more intriguing.
"I can't take this…" Luo Qing muttered, glancing toward the stairs.
He briefly debated whether to go upstairs. The warmth from Ayaka's touch had him feeling like a loaded gun, ready to go off at the slightest trigger.
But Makoto had explicitly banned him from the second floor…
"Forget it. I can't hold back."
With a resigned sigh, Luo Qing slipped on his slippers and silently crept upstairs.
The hallway was shrouded in darkness, the late hour casting deep shadows everywhere. Relying on his memory, he carefully approached what he believed to be Makoto's room.
"Should be this one…"
Standing outside the door, he twisted the handle gently. Finding it unlocked, he slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Meanwhile, in another room…
Ei had spent the entire day binge-reading light novels—sixteen straight hours of high-intensity reading. Even as an Archon, she needed some time to process and digest all the new stories.
Tonight, she decided to turn in early, hoping to recharge for another day of literary indulgence.
For once, Yae Miko wasn't around to mock her for slacking off, leaving Ei free to enjoy her rare vacation in peace.
Just as she was drifting off, the sound of the door opening snapped her awake.
Ei's eyes opened instantly, though she remained still, deciding to see who dared sneak into her room.
Moments later, she heard quiet footsteps approaching the bed.
"Already asleep?" a familiar voice murmured.
Luo Qing?!
Her heart skipped a beat. Why is he in my room?
"Ah, whatever. Next time, then. For now, let's just sleep."
Sleep?! Ei's mind raced. With who?!
The bed shifted as Luo Qing climbed in, and before she could react, she felt his arms slide under the blanket, wrapping snugly around her waist.
His solid chest pressed against her back, and his breath tickled her neck.
He's… he's cuddling me?!
Unsure if she was dreaming, Ei reached down to touch the hand resting lightly on her waist.
"You're awake?" Luo Qing's voice came softly from behind her.
"…"
"I'm feeling… that way. Can we…?"
"I'm Ei."
"…"
[Luo Qing's Frustration +1]
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T/N: HA. HA. HA
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